Everyone present today was from the Taylor family.
Jasper didnât avert his gaze. Instead, he walked confidently alongside Alyssa. The fact that he was the only outsider present didnât faze him; on the contrary, he felt more secure at that moment.
Jasper wanted to be Alyssaâs steadfast support and pillar. With him around, Alyssa could let her guard down and relax.
Xavier followed behind Jasper. Seeing all of Alyssaâs brothers, his head tingled, and his palms started sweating. He vowed to himself that he wouldnât marry a girl with so many brothers. It was too difficult.
âLyse!â
The crowd went toward Alyssa hastily and surrounded her.
When the Taylors saw Jasper, their demeanors werenât exactly friendly. They would have closed the door on him and let the dog out if it were in the past.
âThank you for your care and support during this time, everyone,â Alyssa said.
Then, she looked tenderly at Tatiana, who was pushing Sean over. She didnât blame Sean for calling the shots. âThank you for the sacrifice toward Sean and the time spent with him, Taty. You have been such a great help to me.â
âWe are a family, Lyse. Youâre too kind.â Tatiana felt warm inside her as her sister, Alyssa, praised her.
âSean, take good care of my sister after you get better.â
Alyssa approached Sean. She held Seanâs hand with her left hand and Tatianaâs with her right hand.
Then, she clasped their hands together. I hope you will always do your best to protect Tatiana.â
Tears filled Seanâs eyes. He looked past Alyssa and toward the tall and sturdy man behind her.
Sean thought it was time for him to step back.
Alyssa had found someone willing to do whatever it took to protect her, and this man was significantly stronger and more reliable than he was.
Jasper silently observed Alyssa. The most tender part of his heart was stirred once again. He yearned to go to her and envelop her in his arms, wanting to proclaim to the world that it was enough as long as she had him.
The funeral service started a few minutes after that.
At his moment, Axel, who was outside, came in hastily to Alyssa. His face was grim.
âLyse, something bad had happened. I donât know who blabbered, but there are suddenly many reporters outside.â
âWhat?â Alyssaâs eyes widened. âJonah had always been careful about these things. Everyone present is our people. There is no way someone leaked information about this.â
âOur sources indicated that the individuals in the bodyguard uniforms belonged to the Beckett family,â
he mentioned, cautiously casting a glance at Jasper. His gaze carried a formidable intensity.
Jasper frowned deeply. âIt wasnât me.â
âI know,â Alyssa said, looking down and raising her hand. She exuded an intimidating presence as well.
âIf I doubted you, I wouldnât have Jasper was moved upon hearing that.
âI think it must be those snakes, Sophia and Betty. After all, they knew exactly how Nina died. They were eagerly waiting for the day of the funeral.â
Alyssa couldnât help but scoff. Her eyes were bloodshot. âSophia and Betty had always liked flaunting in front of the media to maintain a positive image. How dare they trespass into our familyâs turf. Those bitches are asking for it!â
Alyssaâs demeanor was incredibly intimidating now. That desire to kill was so strong that Jasper and Axel had goosebumps.
âMs. Taylorâ¦â